Objectives: 1. Compare and contrast the experiences of stakeholders working with high risk families based on their level of expertise. 2. Relate the experiences of the participants in this study to future service learning projects.

Design: A qualitative case study design was used.

Population, Sample, Setting, Years: The sample consisted of nine nursing students (generic undergraduate students, RN to BS students, and graduate students) three community health nurses, two faculty, and a nurse researcher. The students self-selected to participate in this qualitative study. The setting was a state university, a community health program, and a multi-specialty clinic in a midwestern US county. The study was conducted in 2003-2004.

Concept or Variables Studied: Involvement with community, self awareness, level of volunteerism, perceived ability to serve high risk families, sensitivity to diversity, social benefits, applicability to caring for other diverse and disadvantaged clients, philosophy of teaching/learning, teaching methods, and faculty/student interaction are some of the concepts studied.

Methods: Sixty to ninety minute semi-structured taped interviews were scheduled with each participant. A follow-up phone call was used to clarify points and to elicit any further thoughts the participant may have had regarding the experience following the initial interview.

Findings: This study is currently in progress.

Conclusions: This study is currently in progress but will be finished prior to May 1, 2004.

Implications: This study provides insight into how nurses develop expertise in working with high risk families and how this expertise transfers into working with other high risk clients.

Back to Reaching High-Risk Families: Successes and Struggles in Translating Research into Practice
Back to Evidence-Based Nursing: Strategies for Improving Practice
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004